I got a rare glimpse into the inside world of high school athletics and how it takes an extended family to turn boys into young men. National Signing Day is a rites of passage for high school football players as they declare their allegiance to playing for some of the best universities in the country.
It was a privilege to attend the ceremony for Plant High School, a national football powerhouse based in Tampa. They are led by probably one of the best coaches in the country, Coach Weiner. I realized that his task as coach, way beyond football, was to raise young men and teach them about character, integrity and commitment. I was touched by the passion and love in the room — not just for the sport, but for each other.
There were many wet eyes as these athletes, some from the poorest neighborhoods in the city, thanked their families, coaches and team moms as they got ready to embark on the next phase of their life.
The emotion in the room was palpable as their passionate Coach led the celebration. The final message from the Coach, a skilled orator and motivator, resonated with me:
Diversity, irrespective of color, can be a strength, as long as it is channeled to build a team that works towards a common goal.
About Hemant Rustogi